This is the de jure seat of the province since most of the provincial administration agencies are located here.

Bà Rịa is located 90 km east southeast of Ho Chi Minh City and 20 km northwest to the centre of the petroleum and beach city of Vũng Tàu.

Bà Rịa borders Châu Đức District and part of Phú Mỹ Town to the north, Vũng Tàu to the south, Long Điền District to the east, and Phú Mỹ to the west.

Bà Rịa is situated about 48 km southeast of the planned Long Thành International Airport on National Route 51 (Vietnam).

Bà Rịa is on the way from Ho Chi Minh City to the seaside resorts at the Long Hải and Bình Châu hot springs.